An increasing number of Android users, particularly those using Google Pixel smartphones, have reported severe battery drain issues linked to the Instagram app.
The problem, which occurs even when the app runs in the background, has sparked widespread concern across Android user forums and support communities.
While the issue has been especially pronounced on Pixel devices, it remains uncertain whether users of other Android brands are similarly affected. The underlying cause was not immediately clear, but the battery consumption was significant enough to prompt official attention.
Responding to user complaints, a Google representative confirmed on the Android support forum that Instagram was indeed the source of the problem. Instagram has since acknowledged the bug and issued a new app update to address the issue.
According to Adil Sheikh, a community manager active in the support discussion, the issue was caused by a persistent background process in a previous version of Instagram, which led to rapid battery depletion. He confirmed that the updated version, identified as v382.0.0.49.84, has been specifically designed to resolve the excessive power usage.
Users who download the latest version are expected to notice immediate improvements in battery performance.
The update is being rolled out through the Google Play Store, and users with automatic updates enabled may have already received the fix. Others are encouraged to check the Play Store manually and ensure they are running the most recent version.
This incident highlights the broader impact that app-level bugs can have on device performance and underscores the importance of timely updates in maintaining smartphone efficiency.
